The federal government gives the 2009 4Runner four out of five stars for driver and passenger safety in frontal crash tests and top five-star scores for front- and rear-seat safety in side crash tests.
The 2009 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with a 236-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 engine with variable valve timing (VVTi). With four stars in the federal frontal test and a commendable five stars for side impact, the 2009 4Runner scores well in crash tests.
The 2000 Toyota 4Runner’s list of standard safety equipment includes an automatic limited slip differential for improved traction in slippery conditions, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, hill descent control, vehicle skid control, and traction control. Standard interior features on the Urban Runner package include an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and a detachable TomTom personal navigation unit. The system offers WMA/MP3 CD capability, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, satellite radio capability, and available iPod connectivity.
The 2009 Toyota 4Runner adds a new trail edition option package for enhanced off-road capabilities. When Toyota introduced the 4Runner in 1984, the "SUV" acronym was mostly unknown to the masses.
The 2009 4Runner is a midsize SUV that is offered in three trim levels: SR5, Sport Edition and Limited. Also included are power front seats (V6 models) and a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with cruise and audio controls.
Additional 4Runner options include a voice-activated navigation system, an upgraded 10-speaker sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system, detachable personal navigation, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free, satellite radio, a sunroof, a rear spoiler, third-row seats and a two-tier cargo system. The 2009 Toyota 4Runner is offered with a standard 4.0-liter V6 or an optional 4.7-liter V8. Both engines are available with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Towing capacity for V6 models is 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, while the rear-wheel-drive V8 manages 7,300 pounds when properly equipped (the four-wheel-drive V8 maxes out at 7,000 pounds).
EPA fuel economy estimates place the rear-wheel-drive 4Runner V6 at 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. Fostering occupant safety, all 2009 Toyota 4Runners come equipped with antilock disc brakes with brake assist, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for the front seats and second-row seats.
The standard 4Runner offers spacious seating for five passengers, with the ability to seat two additional passengers in the optional third-row seats. On the whole, the Toyota 4Runner's interior is handsomely designed with quality materials.